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F-16IQ Iraqi Air Force

Air Force Times reported 07 June 2014 that Iraq's deteriorating security situation had stalled US plans to deliver F-16 planes, and it was uncertain how Iraqi pilots would get the training necessary to fly the aircraft. As Sunni militants have swept through portions of the country, the US had pulled its contractors out of what was to be the F-16 base in Balad.

To further assist Iraq in providing for its own security, the Obama administration approved the sale of F-16 aircraft to that country, and in September 2011 the government of Iraq spent more than $1.5 billion to purchase the combat-proven F-16 advanced air defense fighter, as have 25 other nations. Iraq took delivery of the first of 36 F-16 fighter jets being built in west Fort Worth on 06 June 2014. The first two F-16s were expected to be flown to Iraq in September 2014. Iraqi Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Anwar Amin stated that the 1st F-16IQs won’t be operational before 2015 at the earliest.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on 13 September 2010 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 18 F-16IQ Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $4.2 billion.

Also included: site survey, support equipment, tanker support, ferry services, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, construction, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, ground based flight simulator, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $4.2 billion.
The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capability of Iraq. The proposed aircraft and accompanying weapon systems will greatly enhance Iraq’s interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an important area of the world, as well as supporting Iraq’s legitimate need for its own self-defense.

The proposed sale will allow the Iraqi Air Force to modernize its air force by acquiring western interoperable fighter aircraft, thereby enabling Iraq to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations.

This acquisition and others would facilitate interoperability not only with the USAF but also with many NATO and allied partners. Although a significant step towards renewing Iraq’s air defense, the decision to field a new weapon system such as the F-16 carries with it many challenges. These include ensuring the proficiency of Iraqi personnel in English, offering follow-on technical training for IqAF pilots and maintenance crews, making decisions on weapons storage, executing bilateral government agreements for the release of sensitive information, investing for the long term in modernizing and building base infrastructure, and developing career paths.

The Iraqi government transferred its first payment for 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons, bringing Iraq closer to independently securing its airspace, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said 27 September 2011. "These aircraft will help provide air sovereignty for Iraq to protect its own territory and deter or counter regional threats," Little said. The fighter aircraft, he said, "are also a symbol of the commitment to a long-term strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq." The fighters are the block 50/52 variant of the aircraft -- the current production version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The sale is valued at about $3 billion.

As of September 2011 Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant had some 60 F-16s in the production pipeline, with the last of these scheduled for delivery in 2013. Iraq's acquisition of F-16C/Ds will extend Lockheed's production of the type through 2018. Iraqi commanders say they ultimately want 96 F-16s, enough for five squadrons deployed around the country.

During a press conference 08 November 2011 the commander of the Iraqi air force said Iraq's purchase of 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons, for their future air defense, will encourage and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Iraq. With this F-16 package, Iraq purchased logistical support as well as pilot and maintenance training. When the aircraft are delivered, most likely sometime in late 2014 or 2015, Iraq will have the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world.

The estimated cost is $2.3 billion. The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capability of Iraq's Air Force. The proposed aircraft and accompanying weapon systems will greatly enhance Iraq’s interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an important area of the world, as well as supporting Iraq’s legitimate need for its own self-defense. The proposed sale will allow the Iraqi Air Force to modernize its air force by acquiring western interoperable fighter aircraft, thereby enabling Iraq to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. The country will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.

As of August, only two of the $65 million Iraqi F-16s had been handed over by Lockheed Martin Corp to the US government and none had reached Iraq. The jets were held up by payment problems and deteriorating security, which has prevented work needed to prepare Balad air base for the planes. “The F-16s are not being delivered at this time because the Iraqis did not make the latest installment and because the installation security plan at Balad was not completed because of the security situation in Iraq,” a U.S. defense official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Lockheed Martin Corp said production of the Iraqi planes will be completed in late 2017.